What is a common symptom of lower brachial plexus compression?

A common symptom of lower brachial plexus compression is pain and weakness in the upper limb. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates in the spinal cord and extends into the arm, controlling the muscles and sensations of the shoulder, arm, and hand. When compression occurs, typically at the lower trunk of the plexus, it can lead to weakness in the muscles innervated by these nerves, particularly affecting the upper limb.

Symptoms may also include numbness, tingling, and radiating pain along the arm. This is due to the involvement of the specific nerve roots that provide sensory and motor functions to the upper extremities. In contrast, symptoms affecting the lower limb, chest pain, or diaphragm weakness are related to different nerve pathways and are not manifestations of compression specific to the lower brachial plexus. Understanding this connection helps clarify how nerve compression can lead to specific localized symptoms in the body.